By Leigh Philpot

A six goal burst at the start of the second quarter was the catalyst for the Gold Coast SUNS comfortable 66 point victory over the Southport Sharks in their opening match of the NEAFL for season 2012.

After an entertaining first quarter, where two late goals to the Sharks saw them take a ten point lead to the first break, the SUNS came out firing in the second term and quickly asserted their dominance, with senior players Danny Stanley, Andrew McQualter and Michael Coad leading the way for the SUNS as they established a decisive 33 point lead at the main break.

The heavens threatened to open up during the main break, but only light rain eventuated to cause a scrappy third term, which the SUNS further extended their lead out to 47 points.

And in a promising sign for the SUNS, they ran the match right out to record a 19.17 (131) to 10.5 (65) triumph.

Coach Shaun Hart was happy with the SUNS four quarter efforts.

“I think even the first quarter was pretty competitive,” he said.

“We possessed the ball pretty well and there was a strong breeze out there so I thought we did quite well. We were a goal and a bit down at quarter time and I thought that was quite reasonable.”

With only Rory Thompson (ankle) and Matt Shaw (ill) currently missing through injury, the SUNS were able to field a strong side, and Hart says the club is in a fantastic position in terms of competing for spots in the senior line-up.

“(We are) a very healthy club in terms of injury and that helps the selection,” he said.

“You have really got to do what you can do on game day, and certainly the guys showed that today.”

One player who will more than likely force his way straight back is the ‘Bull’, Danny Stanley.

Serving a club imposed two match suspension, Stanley took it in his stride and was arguably best afield.
Hart expected no less from Stanley.

“Yep (he was) very good. One of many.”

“He is a big bodied player and he should be above this level like most of our guys in terms of their elite program that they are part of.”

“These guys from Southport and other state league clubs aren’t part of an elite program so you would expect that (our guys) should generally be above them, and Danny is one of those. He should really be able to take the game by the scruff of the neck at this level.

Another to standout in the match was forgotten SUNS defender Michael Coad. He has overcome two serious injury setbacks to remain on the SUNS rookie list, and Hart hopes he can force his way onto the primary list and push for senior selection again.

“It’s a great story. I can’t wait to see hopefully the day when he gets back in the ones because you can’t imagine coming back from two pretty serious injuries. He has gotten through a couple of games, played terrifically and led the team well.

“He is on the rookie list, so he is going to have to bide his time a bit in terms of opportunity.”

Others to catch the coaches eye were Joel Wilkinson, Jacob Gillbee and captain Andrew McQualter.

“Wilko (Joel Wilkinson) particularly the first half was pretty good, he is just working on understanding the midfield role. Gillbee (last year’s NEAFL player of the year for the SUNS) as well very good.”

“Our captain, (Andrew) McQualter was probably our best today. He is a rookie listed player, who if we had an opportunity to play him up he almost would have been pushing for a senior spot this week.”

The only concern for the SUNS were rolled ankles for Jack Hutchins and Charlie Dixon, with mixed reports on the pair.

“Probably Hutchins is just a mild one, something he could probably play on next week,” he said.

“Dixon is one we are not certain about, we are just awaiting a bit of feedback from our doctor.”

The SUNS will head to Sydney next Saturday to take on the Sydney Swans at the SCG. The Swans had the bye on the weekend, but were impressive in their 117 point Round 1 victory over the UWS Giants.

GOLD COAST 3.4 11.6 14.10 19.17 (131)
SOUTHPORT 5.2 6.3 7.5 10.5 (65)

GOALS: Magin 3, Gillbee 3, McKenzie 2, Stanley 2, Weller, Day, Fraser, Toy, Klessens, Coad, Patrick, Napiorkowski, McNamara 1.

BEST: Stanley, Gillbee, Coad, McQualter, Wilkinson, Flanagan, Patrick, Horsley.